Lietava. Lietava hydrographic reservation
Upninkai
About object:
Some of the Lithuania‘s explorers of the past think that the name LIETUVA (LITHUANIA) might have derived from a river name. In Jonava region, in between the rivers Neris, Sventoji and Sirvinta, there is a small 11 km long river – Lietava. At the beginning, Lietava’s name might have been used for the lands on the banks of this river, later – for the whole country.
On Lietava’s banks, there were neighbourhoods where people lived from old times and this fact is proved by a variety of hill forts and burial mounds that remain here until this day. From Lietava the old capital Kernave is not so far away as well.
There are more theories of the origin of Lithuania’s (LIETUVOS) name.
Lietava River flows through Keižonis, Perelozai, Vyšnialaukis and other villages. Its upstream has sewers, but the river flows through forest, is windy, swift, and has many spring water sources. Nearby Gegutė village, it flows into one of the biggest rivers – Neris.
Near Lietava river in 1992 national hydrographic reservation of Lietava was established. Its purpose – to keep the natural river’s part (in Upninkai forest) and the hydrologic mode. Reservation area – 143 hectares. Many species of animals live here: trout, otters, Canadian minks, water ouzels spend their winters here. Right next to Lietava‘s outfall a nice access to the river is made for people. There is a spring water source.
Coordinates:
- GPS LAT 55.024526
- GPS LNG 24.45656



